We arrived in Port Stephen's around 6 PM. Actually it's a name of the area. We were staying on the camp site near Nelson Bay. Went for local fish and chips (almost everywhere there is a chipper claiming that they are the best in the neighborhood).
Then we went for a scenic walk up the natural park to enjoy beautiful views of the bay and near beaches. As we were driving we saw signs informing us that we are entering area where koalas are present! So we went for hunting that night. Unfortunately no koalas found. However we've seen an abundance of other wild animals. Birds, spiders and plenty of strange insects ;) and then we went for first nearly sleepless night in the camper van. It was a time for adjusting and getting familiar with sleeping in the car. Rough night I tell you.
Next morning we went to the beach near Anna Bay, have a swim in the sea and then we hit the road heading towards Coffs Harbor. We got away from the highway for few km's to enjoy Lakes Way - scenic route around Smiths Lake and Wallis Lake. We came back on the high way and went straight to Coffs.
There is few things I have to say about driving in Australia. First of all every so often there is an organized resting place with toilets and water for drivers, sometimes you can get even a free cup of coffee or tea with biscuit. Good idea when you take in consideration long distances. Second thing is driving fines. It's not that I have any experience, but people are saying that for all road offences you can get heavily fined (hundreds of dollars), way more than €80 for a speeding ticket in Ireland. It seems to be working in here.
Going back to camping facilities. I have to say that this business is very developed in here. All toilets and showers in great condition, some hotels might learn something from them. On site facilities like canteen, BBQ, playgrounds and pools are very common. And it's cheap! you can find places for as little as $25 a night for a site. I really like this way of traveling around. It gives you a lot of freedom. You can pick and choose what ever you like to see and where to go and how long you want to stay there!
Then we went for a scenic walk up the natural park to enjoy beautiful views of the bay and near beaches. As we were driving we saw signs informing us that we are entering area where koalas are present! So we went for hunting that night. Unfortunately no koalas found. However we've seen an abundance of other wild animals. Birds, spiders and plenty of strange insects ;) and then we went for first nearly sleepless night in the camper van. It was a time for adjusting and getting familiar with sleeping in the car. Rough night I tell you.
Next morning we went to the beach near Anna Bay, have a swim in the sea and then we hit the road heading towards Coffs Harbor. We got away from the highway for few km's to enjoy Lakes Way - scenic route around Smiths Lake and Wallis Lake. We came back on the high way and went straight to Coffs.
There is few things I have to say about driving in Australia. First of all every so often there is an organized resting place with toilets and water for drivers, sometimes you can get even a free cup of coffee or tea with biscuit. Good idea when you take in consideration long distances. Second thing is driving fines. It's not that I have any experience, but people are saying that for all road offences you can get heavily fined (hundreds of dollars), way more than €80 for a speeding ticket in Ireland. It seems to be working in here.
Going back to camping facilities. I have to say that this business is very developed in here. All toilets and showers in great condition, some hotels might learn something from them. On site facilities like canteen, BBQ, playgrounds and pools are very common. And it's cheap! you can find places for as little as $25 a night for a site. I really like this way of traveling around. It gives you a lot of freedom. You can pick and choose what ever you like to see and where to go and how long you want to stay there!
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